Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 15 (IANS): An Australian High Commission delegation from New Delhi, headed by high commissioner Patrick Suckling, visited Technopark here and met Kerala IT officials to forge a mutually beneficial relationship between Australia and Kerala.

Accompanying the high commissioner were David Holly, Australian consul general in South India, and Roshen Paul from the Australian Trade Office.

The Kerala team was led by P.H. Kurian, principal secretary, IT, and top Technopark officials.

Kurian spoke about opportunities available for Australian IT companies to invest in Kerala and asked the high commissioner to examine possibilities of trade tie-ups between Australian and Kerala-based IT companies.

He also sought support for the Kerala IT team, which is planning to participate in CeBIT Australia in May.

"Kerala IT is on its way to become the next IT power house, and would become a major investment destination, especially with the boost we are giving for innovative start-ups. A suitable tie-up with the Australian government for mutual support will benefit both the countries tremendously," said Kurian.

Technopark CEO Girish Babu said: "The cost of operations in Kerala is 30 percent cheaper. The main advantage for companies who have set their campuses in Technopark is that they run 99 percent of the time on grid power and is superior to other destinations in the county."

Suckling assured all support for the Kerala IT team visiting Australia next month.

"We are trying to forge a strong business relationship with India and I am amazed to see the development in Technopark in the last few years," said Suckling.